In this work five paint systems applied on steel, all of them including a zinc rich primer in their composition and recommended for atmospheres with very high corrosivity (C5 category), were studied. Epoxy intermediates, acrylic water-borne, polysiloxane, aliphatic polyurethane and acrylic polyurethane topcoats were included. Water condensation, neutral salt spray and chemical resistance tests, according to EN ISO 12944-6, were performed. The purpose of chemical resistance test is to assess the ability of a system to withstand high industrial environments. Therefore, paint adhesion before and after artificial ageing was evaluated. Visual inspections were carried out. Generally, the best results were obtained for the systems with polyurethane based topcoats. However, changes in the formulation of one of the two environmentally-friendly systems under study that allow an increase of its adhesion, can probably increase its suitability for use in marine atmospheres with C5 corrosivity.